Improvement in folding-tables



HLP. LMAGouN.

Folding-Tables, &c.

No. 136,167.v 4 ParerredFemzmss.

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AM, PHoTa-L/mac/aAPH/e co. Mmmm/:fv Peach-ss) U NTTED STATES PATENT CFrIcE.

THOMAS P. I. MAGOUN, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN FOLDING-TABLES, &c.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 136,167, dated February 25, 1873.

. clare that the following is a full, clear, and

exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing which formsv a part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 represents a front view of my improved folding-legs, as applied to a table.

Fig. 2 represents an end view of the same. Fig. 3 represents an end view with the parts folded together; and Fig. 4 represents an end view of my folding-legs as applied to a chair.

The nature of my invention consists in an improved folding leg,'standard,-or support for tables, chairs, desks, settees, and other furniture, constructed and operating in the peculiar manner hereinafter set forth.

In the drawing, A B indicate two bars, which form the standard at one end of the table. These bars `are pivoted or hinged to each other near their centers by a bolt or rod, D, which extends across the space beneath the top piece O, and also forms the pivot or hinge of the bars A B at the opposite end of the table, said bars A AB being similar in all respects to the bars A B. The upper end of the bar A is provided with a projection, a, the inner corner o f which is hinged at E to the under side of the table top O, or to the crossframe upon `which the top is secured when such frame is used. The `upper part of the bar is hinged at its inner corner to the table top or cross-frame, as shown at F, while it is also jointed at about half the distance from the hinge F. to the center pivot D, the upper section, b, being connected to the lower section by means of a hinge, G, arranged at the outside of the bar so as to form a knucklejoint which can be opened inward, but which will remain rigid against outward strain. The hinges or pivots D, E, F, and Gr are so arranged n relation to each other that the joint Gr can be swung inward, and the legs folded together and against the top piece C into the position indicated by Fig. 3, thus reducing the whole table into a comparatively small compass, and to a form that can readily be packed for shipment or storage.

My improved legs or standards can be used for desks, chairs, settecs, and other furniture, with facility.V When used for cha-irs or settees the backs H should be connected to or formed with the bars A A', as indicated in Fig. 4.

The various parts may be made of Wood or of metal, and they may be made more or less ornamental, as desired. When made of metal the parts can be cast with suitable ear-pieces to receive pins or bolts to form the hinges on said pieces. A metallic cross-frame, C', may also be used, if desired, to connect the upper ends of the bars, and to form the top hinges, as indicated in Fig. 4, which frame O may be secured by screws to the wood of the table top or chair-seat.

The seats of chairs and settees can be up holstered and provided with springs without interfering with the proper folding and expandin g of the legs or standards.

It will also be observed that the weight of the parts and the load which may be supported upon the top of the seat or table assists to render the standards firm in position, and keeps the legs expanded, and to prevent the joint G from moving inward, so that no additional fastening for said joint is required.

Having described my improved folding legs or standard for furniture, what I claim therein as new and of my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The combination, with the top piece C, of the bars A B b, hinges or pivot-joints D E F, and knuckle-joint G, all constructed and arranged for operation in relation to each other substantially as shown and described, and for the purpose set forth.

THOS. l?. I. MAGOUN.

Witnesses:

GnAs. H. BURLEIGH H. HAMLIN HoUerLToN. 

